Re: How should Christians handle refutations?

GRMorton@aol.com
Fri, 29 Dec 1995 23:20:29 -0500

Hi Stephen,

You wrote:
>>
Personally, I agree with Glenn that Christian organisations should set
a higher standard and admit mistakes. Indeed some do, even YEC's. I
subscribe to the Australian Creation-Science Foundation's journal and
they have admitted a number of mistakes publically<<

I thank you for that. We should expect nothing less than the utmost in
scrupulousness in Christian organizations' handling of scientific data.

You wrote:
>>Agreed. Ross' F&F is really an apologetic. It is proposing that the
Bible is a substantially reliable special revelation from God, and
marshalls facts to support that proposal, within a PC framework. It
is not concerned if some of its facts turn out not to be 100% correct,
because they don't necessarily falsify the core arguments. <<

Since I was the one that started this thread, I simply must respond to this.
I know (as stated above) that you do not advocate this, but too many
Christians really do believe the reasons you give are valid ones for
determining our actions. What you say is exactly what my complaint is.
Christians are told to be HONEST. As such we should be honest and admit it
when we are wrong. If we don't care if the facts turn out to be correct then
we become mere sophists.

You wrote:
>>Retractions are not always published because: a) it would give
ammunition to the "enemy" (which was Jim's point about evolutionists
doing likewise); b) the counter arguments and refutations are not seen
as such because of the "priority of the paradigm" (see Denton, p344);
and c) space is a priority and there are better things to write about
than retractions - they can wait until next month! <<

(Once again, not directed to you Stephen) So what if we give ammo to the
enemy? Our job is to be moral and holy, not to be like the world. "Do not
conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind." Rom 12:2. If we act like the world, then we have
been conformed there to.

I will never find it acceptable for Christians to hide data which goes
contrary to our position! When we do that Who is "suppressing the truth in
unrighteousness?" We are correctly condemned by atheists for this type of
behavior.

Thank you again Stephen,
glenn